FIFA 12

The Biggest Game In Soccer Is Back

We know what you're thinking — another year, another FIFA. But as the sales prove, annual releases won’t slow this soccer franchise down, and that’s a good thing. Why? Because FIFA 12 is shaping up to be a series high-point, adding in a host of new features to make the world's most beloved video game more beautiful than ever.

The highlight of this year’s line-up is the new Player Impact-Engine, which allows for much more lifelike collisions and tackles than seen in previous games. Trailers showing the system in action give FIFA a surprisingly brutal feel; players mercilessly collide into the opposition, swiping out legs and bringing each other down like a tonne of bricks.

Friendlies could well be transformed into war zones and heads may fly further than balls as the franchise turns up the heat. Looks like the — “He barely touched him ref!” — excuse won’t cut it this year. The improvements don’t stop there though; precision dribbling has been added, giving players greater control over even the slightest of movements. The new close controls will allow for smaller, more frequent touches to give you more control in tighter situations. It’s also possible to dribble with the ball while shielding, something that wasn’t possible in past games.

Tweaks like these mean that games will look even more like the real thing as players demonstrate a greater level of skill. As always there are the usual yearly updates: all the transfers and buy-outs that have transpired in the past 12 months will be in place, and tweaks to graphics will be thrown in along with fresh commentating. Long-time fans will spot Andy Gray’s absence this year — the commentator will be missing his first FIFA since the 06 edition with former Gunners striker, Alan Smith taking his place following the Scots pundit's exit from Sky Sports last year.

Look for FIFA 12 to kick off on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC and make its 3DS debut in September.

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